Real Trial Begins . . .
"So, I sealed off this mountain, and, for reasons of particular import, it was concealed as a covert reserve project," Master Tianji's revelations continued to flow. "In the ensuing years, my brother and I ascended to the pinnacle of power, akin to celestial beings. This reserve project, though rendered obsolete to us, retained its utility. It served the purpose we had intended for those newcomers whom we wished to groom."
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but feel a pang of incredulity. [Can't you tone down the arrogance? The Mountain of All Medicines, a treasure cherished by all within the Qing-Yun Realm, is reduced to insignificance in your eyes? It's not even as valuable as a mere diversion? It's utterly meaningless?]
[Resting and inadvertently releasing primal living spiritual qi? What does that even entail? Is it advantageous?]
[And all of you were too busy, incapable of allocating more time to this endeavor, so you made minimal structural adjustments and set it into motion? Why not just admit that you bungled it?]
The explanations left him bewildered and slightly exasperated, but there was more to come.
"Within the first three layers," Master Tianji elucidated, "you will find ordinary medical materials, primarily devoid of utility. Thus, we have left these layers accessible to all. As long as you possess the requisite capabilities, you are free to collect what you need. However, the fourth layer marks the commencement of a true trial."
"Of course, the fourth layer primarily serves as an authentication process. Successfully surmount this phase, and you shall gain ownership of the fourth layer. Yet, as for the fifth layer, it lies in the hands of fate."
"When you venture into the subsequent five layers, you will gain an authentic comprehension of what I have bequeathed. You will then realize the sincerity of my declaration: this realm was valueless to us but of immeasurable significance to you!"
"Nine-layer Valley... is indeed nine heavens..."
The final sentence ended with an ellipsis, and in the blink of an eye, the words vanished. A surge of purple qi ascended into the sky, shrouding the surroundings in an opaque mist, only to dissipate abruptly, vanishing without a trace.
With the dissipation of the purple qi, the fourth layer was unveiled before Cha Eun Xiao's eyes in all its grandeur.
The sight was breathtaking, overwhelming him.
...
In the third layer, both the Cha Clan and the Li Clan experienced an abundant harvest. What thrilled them the most was the conduct of the spiritual beasts within. Although many of these creatures exceeded the ninth level of power, they refrained from attacking. Instead, they observed the collectors or simply withdrew.
The two-hour constraint remained a primary consideration for all. While they coveted additional herbs, the knowledge that the exit would open after two hours dissuaded them from overstaying their welcome. The beasts, though displaying a veneer of friendliness, could potentially turn hostile. The risk of greed-induced fatalities was too great to ignore.
Two hours, in such circumstances, proved astonishingly brief.
The opportunity was vast, with numerous herbs at their fingertips, but the constraints of time limited their gathering.
Both the Cha Clan and the Li Clan were cognizant of this fact, with the former enjoying a numerical advantage. The prime locations were swiftly occupied by Cha Clan members, generating silent discontent among the Li Clan. They harbored frustration, yet fear prevented them from voicing their grievances. The power dynamics were patently clear.
Cha Clan members had never been known for their affability toward the Li Clan. A show of resistance by Li Clan would inevitably trigger swift and brutal retaliation from the Cha Clan.
The situation remained unspoken yet overt, and Li Clan members were acutely aware of the reality. The seeds of future discord had been sown, and Li Clan faced the inauspicious prospect of six of its members perishing within the confines of the Mountain of All Medicines as a result of this power struggle.
Li Clan's members were determined not to provide any pretext for hostility. Nonetheless, while the array of medicinal treasures was vast, Regeneration Ink Lotus, in particular, was a rarity, with the majority held securely within Cha Clan's grasp.
As the Cha Clan members cast their glances upon the Li Clan representatives, their eyes brimmed with animosity. Nearly two hours had elapsed, and a convergence was underway near the exit.
Cha Shangxin, with an air of casual arrogance, approached Li Chongshan, engaging him with a condescending tone. "Li Chongshan, I observed that you managed to secure a few Regeneration Ink Lotus. Given our longstanding acquaintance, we won't press you too hard. Simply surrender ten of your lotuses, and we can exit together amicably. What do you say?"
Li Chongshan was on the verge of utter disbelief, his eyes wide with incredulity. "Ten? Why not just rob us outright! You have already monopolized the prime locations within this region. We have only gathered eleven Regeneration Ink Lotus! And now you request ten? What are you thinking? Perhaps you should return to your reverie!"
Cha Shangxin nonchalantly waved his hand and issued a chilling order. "Eleven, you say? Splendid! Surrender them all, my friends. Let's make it happen."
Cha Clan members swiftly congregated, their gazes fixed squarely on their Li Clan counterparts.
Li Chongshan's voice underwent a dramatic shift. "Wait!"
Cha Shangxin retorted, a smug grin adorning his countenance. "Well, Brother Li, I assume you prefer not to engage in hostilities either, correct?"
Li Chongshan's expression was one of sheer desolation, the weight of stress pressing upon him.
...
Beyond the mountain's confines, those waiting gazed skyward with mounting anticipation. At last...
Upon the hillside, a dozen figures materialized seemingly out of thin air.
"They've returned! They're back!" someone cheered.
Among the twenty-two individuals who initially ventured into the mountain, five had now emerged, and many more were following suit. Astonishingly, no lives had been lost. The relief at the safe return of all, regardless of their collection yield, was palpable.
Cha Clan's patriarch, Cha Tianchen, bore a contented expression. "Splendid! Ten fine individuals, all returned safely. Haha..." He turned to the elder of the Li Clan, offering a cordial smile. "You have done well too. Ten individuals departed, and ten have returned unscathed. No casualties."
The Li Clan elder, incensed, nearly spewed blood in response to Cha Tianchen's veiled mockery.
Both clans had maintained a perfect record with none of their members perishing. However, the veracity of the third layer's events weighed heavily on their minds.
All ten of Li Clan's members had indeed returned, yet it was a different story for four among them who had preemptively departed, opting for retreat rather than further confrontation.